DiscsThe Spiral Dynamic
The spiral is the universal dynamic of formation, growth, structure, motion and expression: it is the dynamic of life itself. It governs and integrates not only the macrocosmic formation of galaxies, and the microcosmic formation of the genetic code, but also the growth of organisms and motions of the planets. It is at the heart of structural integrity (a galaxy, the body) and functional integrity (spinning planteary orbits, the integrity of yoga postures). The spiral is also the structural keynote of the human body. It is found in the shape of the heart, in the inner ear, as well as every strand of dna.
The human body and its limbs form spiralically in the womb as the most spectacular fruit of millions of years of evolution. Human musculature functions spiralically. Two complementary sheaths of muscles spiral from toe to head and resist, complement and balance each other. This generates a spiral dynamic of action that is the natural expression of the inherent integrity of the body: as well as being the energetic dynamic of the bandhas. The inherent integrity of the body has, is and always will function and express itself as much as we allow it to. This renders yoga practice a process of inviting and allowing the spiral dynamic to express itself, rather than demanding or imposing any intention on it.
The spiral dynamic is the key to yoga posture practice. That of the feet and legs (padabandha) integrates the lower body through the pelvis and into the spine. That of the hands and arms (hastabandha) integrates the upper body through the ribcage into the spine. In combination they integrate the spine through the relationship between the pelvis and the ribcage (merubandha), and that between the skull and the shoulders. Without the unification of the spiral dynamic yoga posture practice is ineffective: either lacking integrity or swamped in the pursuit of disconnected details.